Cortijo de la Virgen

The massive wooden door that guards the access to the cortijo, the shady central courtyard with its central fountain, and the surrounding orange groves and semi-tropical gardens are all unmistakably Andalucian, but enter this splendid family villa and it could be a fine old English country house. Spacious rooms with warm toned walls are furnished with florals and pastels, the beamed kitchen matches rustic style to modern conveniences, and an open fireplace is the focal point in an effortlessly elegant living room. Bedrooms are divided over three floors and the tower house, and a little sitting room can be converted to comfortably accommodate larger families. Outside, gorgeous gardens wrap around pretty terraces and quiet corners, and a heatable swimming pool (available on request) is screened in greenery, with a thoughtfully positioned dining area on the poolside terrace. Shops and restaurants, tennis, sailing and windsurfing are all available 5km away in Sotogrande.